Interrogation of journalist over Yushchenko poisoning excessive

The Institute for Mass Information has expressed concern over the behaviour of the Prosecutor General’s Office in forcibly collecting Serhiy Leshchenko, a journalist working for the Internet publication “Ukrainska Pravda” for questioning over Viktor Yushchenko;s poisoning. IMI Director Victoria Sumar told Ukrainska Pravda that such behaviour with regard to a journalist were inappropriate in the given situation since Leschenko could not be a particularly important witness in the case.

She added that “Since the behaviour is directed at a well-known journalist and author of numerous journalist investigations, including those about the President’s son and about the poisoning, one can speak of pressure being brought to bear against the journalist himself and the publication he represents”.

The publication reported during the evening that Mr Leshchenko had been able to leave only after 7 hours of questioning.

Based on information at www.imi.org.ua and www.pravda.com.ua